Deputies responded to a physical disturbance on Francis Lane at approximately 1:12 am, on January 1st, 2014, involving Aaron Hughes, 25 of Malvern. The reporting party (RP) advised Hot Spring County Dispatch that she and another female were physically assaulted by Hughes, while celebrating New Years at her residence. The RP stated that after becoming angry at her friend, Hughes began to strike the friend with a closed fist in her face. She further advised, that while attempting to push Hughes out of the residence he became angry with her and strangled her and struck her in the face with a closed fist. The friend advised that she ran from the scene to a neighbor’s residence, where she called the Sheriff’s Department. Once on scene, deputies observed injuries on both parties and released a “BOLO” (Be On the Look Out) to surrounding counties for Hughes’ vehicle.

At approximately 3:38 a.m. Hot Spring County Dispatch was advised that Hughes had returned to the residence. Upon arrival Deputy Michael Sealy took Mr. Hughes into custody without incident. Sergeant Brian Cooper discovered a small plastic bag containing a white powdery substance inside the open driver side door pocket of Hughes’ vehicle, at which point he did a thorough inventory of the vehicle. Sergeant Cooper recovered a black cloth bag in the passenger side floorboard containing: 2 large glass jars, one smaller jar, with a large amount of leafy green substance, believed to be marijuana, and a set of digital scales. Near the driver’s seat Sergeant Cooper located a silver and black handgun, and in the center console of the vehicle, a small bank bag was located containing Hughes’ driver’s license and $1232.00 in cash.

Hughes was arrested by Hot Spring County Deputies and we will pursue the following charges: Domestic Battery 2nd Degree (Felony), Simultaneous Possession of Drugs and Firearm (Felony), Possession of Marijuana with intent to deliver (Felony), and Possession of a Controlled Substance (Felony). All evidence was seized, logged into evidence, and the vehicle was impounded. Hughes was taken to the Hot Spring County Jail.